TUCSON, Arizona (KGUN) — Pinal County Sheriff Mark Lamb announced Tuesday that he will run for Senate. This makes Lamb the first Republican to jump into a high-profile campaign for the seat currently held by independent Senator Kirsten Cinema from the Democratic Party.
I spoke with Lam via video call this afternoon. He told me the tragic death of his son and granddaughter in a car accident last December was a big reason he’s running for Senate:
“We have been so blessed with the love and support from the people of Arizona. .
“We know they need someone to represent them and represent them well, and hopefully we look forward to being that person.
“Washington needs a new sheriff in town.”
Borders are a major theme in Ram’s campaign launch video, which showcases him as a lawyer with first-hand experience confronting dangerous cartels and facing the scourge of fentanyl.
“If we can continue to fight this border crisis, I hope we can address the economic problems we are seeing,” Lam told me. “I just paid $5 for gas yesterday.1 It’s $5 a gallon.It’s overwhelming families not only in Arizona, but across the country.Now I can defend the rule of law.These are the things I love to do.”
Elections in Arizona are the number one target for Republicans seeking to take control of the Senate in 2024.
The Democrats currently have a 51-49 lead, which includes Cinema and two other independents who normally vote Democrat.
Ruben Gallego, a Democrat for Arizona’s 3rd congressional district (a relatively small constituency geographically but representing a large number of representatives from Maricopa County), announced in January his senatorial bid. I announced my run.
Gallego responded to Lamb’s candidacy on Tuesday by saying:
“Arizonans deserve serious candidates who respect our democracy and the rule of law. Fortunately, there is still plenty of time for Republicans to field their candidates.
“Mark Lamb is just a reality TV personality trying to make money. I’m in this race to serve the people of Arizona.”
With Lam’s announcement on Tuesday, it’s likely to be a three-way race for the seat in cinema in 2024.
Lamb says he is well aware that Republicans are struggling in recent statewide elections.
“We have to do better. I think we have to do better as a party. I’m going to do it for the people of Arizona,” Lamb said. “That’s what I’m excited about.”
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Pat Paris KGUN 9 anchor and reporter. He graduated from Sabino High School and in 1982 he became the high school state track champion in the 800 meters. While in high school and college, he had a part-time job in his KGUN 9 his newsroom.Share story ideas and key issues with Pat via email pat.parris@kgun9.com or by connecting Facebook, twitterand Instagram.
